7.1-channel Hi-Fi quality sound card with 124dB SNR clarity, top-notch headphone amplifier and premium TCXO clock source

• Industry-leading 124dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) audio quality inherited from the revolutionary and widely-acclaimed Xonar Essence ST/STX
• Ultra-low jitter with premium TCXO clock source
• Clean and consistent power supply thanks to high-fidelity low-dropout (LDO) regulators and WIMA® capacitors for uncompromising sound
• Top-notch headphone amplifier supports up to 600ohm-headphone impedance with additional gain for in-ear monitors (IEMs)
• Exclusive op-amp swap kit includes three op-amps and tool for easy tone tuning
• Celebrated MUSES op-amps deliver true-to-life musicality
• Ultra-fidelity (120dB SNR) 7.1-channel output via the exclusive daughterboard

Keeping the audiophile spirit and philosophy alive

Four years after the debut of Essence STX -- the long-term holder of the number-one position in Head-Fi's Sound Cards segment, as voted by highly-satisfied users globally -- ASUS remains committed to delivering ever better high-end sound cards to delight the most demanding audiophiles. Drawing on years of experience in developing Essence One, Essence STU and Essence III, Essence STX II delivers meticulous design, quintessential performance and profound musicality -- elements that shape the spirit of the whole Essence Hi-Fi series.

Legendary audio quality that just got better: Industry-leading 124dB SNR

Essence STX II delivers industry-leading 124dB SNR audio clarity, a much-envied quality inherited from the revolutionary and widely-acclaimed Essence STX sound card -- and up to 64 times (64X) better than typical onboard audio hardware. Headphone output reaches a fantastic 120dB SNR.

Ultra-low jitter

A high-precision clock is crucial to audiophiles. Integrated circuits are susceptible to heat and temperature changes, which is why Essence STX II includes a premium temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) clock source. It is an ultra-accurate timing technology that ensures ultra-low jitter.

Clean and consistent power supply

Essence STX II uses a dedicated four-pin Molex power connection rather than drawing power from the expansion slot like other cards, and that means a cleaner supply of electricity. Optimized power delivery is further assured with high-fidelity low-dropout (LDO) regulators -- unprecedented in the audio-card industry. As well, audiophile-appreciated WIMA® capacitors deliver balanced sound.

Celebrated MUSES op-amps

The profound musicality that Essence listeners expect is encapsulated by celebrated MUSES 8920 and MUSES 8820 op-amps, which deliver true-to-life tonality and spacious sound imaging.